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Efraim Lopez

665

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Finalist

Bio

I was born in Spain into a Catholic mission family. My parents are both artists, and my family is in the United States with the support of many people, such as the director of the National Gallery in London, the director of the Louvre, and many bishops. Our mission is to evangelize, mostly through painting, creating new spaces, or renewing others. With this mission, I have traveled extensively. I have been living in America since 2017, and I have spent a total of more than five years in Italy. In addition to these, I have worked in France, Germany, Nicaragua, U.K, Holland, Poland, Hungary, Malta, Korea, Brazil, and Morocco. My work here hasn’t just given me experience in the technical part of the field, but it has also made me culturally aware towards those around me and how beauty influences their lives. For example, four years ago we flew to South Korea. There I leapt onto the 50-foot scissor lift and worked on the beautiful frescoes, installing gold leafing and painting icons in the Catholic Seminary of Seoul. Townsfolk would come in and contemplate inert and expressionless for minutes. I asked them if they liked it, but they nodded slightly. I knew smiling at strangers wasn't part of Korean culture, because they equate being solicitous to being insincere. But inside I knew they were happy, they had seen something that money can’t buy. My family lives off of providence and donations, and I believe that, if people could stop counting their pennies and experience the beauty of these icons, they would be much happier. Dostoevsky says, “Beauty will save the world.”

Education

Koinonia Academy

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    -
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      -
    • Dream career goals:

      -

      Sports

      Tennis

      Varsity
      2008 - 202315 years

      Arts

      • Neocatechumenal Way

        Painting
        St.Mary's(Plainfield, NJ), St.Gabriel's(Queens, NY)
        2010 – 2023

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        St.Mary's Church Plainfield, NJ
        2020 – 2023

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      My Brother's Keeper Scholarship
      In this essay, I aim to address the two key criteria under which this essay is labeled: ambition and need. I have chosen to apply for this scholarship due to my personal circumstances that necessitate financial assistance. Despite maintaining an impressive 3.93 GPA and possessing a comprehensive 15-page Architecture portfolio, I find myself in need of support to pursue my college education. One of the major obstacles I face is my ineligibility to apply for FAFSA or any type of federal aid, as I came to America solely for educational purposes. Moreover, as an out-of-state student, I am subjected to exorbitant out-of-state tuition fees, further intensifying the financial burden of attending college. Another significant factor that influenced my decision to apply for this scholarship is my unique position as the eldest among nine siblings. Given this responsibility, my parents are unable to contribute towards my college expenses. The scholarship program caught my attention as it recognizes the challenges faced by students like me, who bear the weight of being their siblings' keeper. This role has instilled in me a deep sense of determination and commitment to succeed, not only for myself but also to serve as a positive example for my younger brothers and sisters. Additionally, I would like to highlight an integral part of my life that aligns with the Ministry of Restoration's objective of giving back. My family and I are devout Catholics, and we actively participate in my father's mission as a renowned missionary artist. Together, we travel around the world, dedicating our efforts to painting and renovating liturgical spaces without seeking any financial compensation. When we arrive at parishes or commissioned locations, the hospitality extended to us includes accommodation, but my father never accepts payment for his services. This echoes the principles embraced by the Brotherhood of Artists, who, like the apostles of old, evangelize through icons and artwork without expecting monetary gain. Notable projects we have worked on include the Cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid, the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Rome, St. Gabriel's Parish in Queens, NY, and Our Lady of Arabia, a Catholic Cathedral in Bahrain, among many others. By sharing these aspects of my life, I hope to convey the genuine need and ambition that drives my desire to pursue higher education and achieve my goals. This scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for me to overcome financial barriers and fully dedicate myself to my studies, thereby realizing my potential as an aspiring architect. Furthermore, it would enable me to continue serving my community and expressing my passion for art, in line with the principles I hold dear.